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Much has been written about Spenser's theological allegory and its sources but, until now, no one has suggested sustained patristic influence. Harold Weatherby argues that taking patristic theology as a measure for certain episodes in The Faerie Queene affords more convincing evidence than the familiar (usually Protestant) references. He shows that sixteenth-century editions of the works of the principal Fathers were available to Spenser, and that, in addition, there appeared to be considerable interest in the Fathers at Spenser's college, Pembroke. With the additional evidence of the poem itself, Weatherby introduces the theory that patristic theology affected the poet's understanding of Christianity.
To demonstrate, the author examines seven allegorical episodes in The Faerie Queene, each of which has had extensive previous interpretive attention, quite different from the approach taken here. He looks closely at the dragon fight and the figure of St George; the subsequent nuptial celebration with Una and Red Crosse; the role of Belphoebe as an emblem of temperance (as the Fathers conceive temperance); Guyon's descent into Mammon's cave; Guyon's encounter with Mordant, Amavia, and Ruddymane, and his futile effort to cleanse the child's hands; Arthur's defeat of Maleger; and the presentation of Dame Nature. In each of these episodes, patristic thought is seen to have significantly shaped the allegory.
The epilogue suggests how patristic thought influenced Spenser's presentation of eros in Books III and IV, introducing a new hypothesis about these books and about Spenser's conception of chastity.
To demonstrate, the author examines seven allegorical episodes in The Faerie Queene, each of which has had extensive previous interpretive attention, quite different from the approach taken here. He looks closely at the dragon fight and the figure of St George; the subsequent nuptial celebration with Una and Red Crosse; the role of Belphoebe as an emblem of temperance (as the Fathers conceive temperance); Guyon's descent into Mammon's cave; Guyon's encounter with Mordant, Amavia, and Ruddymane, and his futile effort to cleanse the child's hands; Arthur's defeat of Maleger; and the presentation of Dame Nature. In each of these episodes, patristic thought is seen to have significantly shaped the allegory.
The epilogue suggests how patristic thought influenced Spenser's presentation of eros in Books III and IV, introducing a new hypothesis about these books and about Spenser's conception of chastity.
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About the Author:
Harold L. Weatherby is Professor of English, Vanderbilt University.
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- PublisherUniv of Toronto Pr
- Publication date1994
- ISBN 10 0802005489
- ISBN 13 9780802005489
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages271
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Mirrors of Celestial Grace: Patristic Theology in Spenser's Allegory
Published by
University of Toronto Press
(1994)
ISBN 10: 0802005489
ISBN 13: 9780802005489
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.01. Seller Inventory # G0802005489I5N00
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Mirrors of Celestial Grace: Patristic Theology in Spenser's Allegory
Published by
University of Toronto Press
(1994)
ISBN 10: 0802005489
ISBN 13: 9780802005489
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Hardcover
Quantity: 1
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Text is unmarked; pages are bright. Binding is sturdy. Dust jacket shows edgewear and there is a quarter sized stain on the back panel. 271pp. Seller Inventory # 064665
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